Steven Gerrard's first role as England captain was to act as peacemaker last night to prevent Joey Barton's introduction creating any divisions in a squad that prides itself on its sense of togetherness. Barton's inflammatory remarks about the post-World Cup autobiographies have gone down badly among certain players, particularly Frank Lampard, and Gerrard tried to nip it in the bud ahead of tomorrow's friendly against Spain at Old Trafford.

Although Barton was typically unapologetic when he joined the squad for the first time, there were handshakes and conciliatory gestures when Gerrard introduced him to a group of players whom he had previously attacked in interviews. None the less, there is still a sense of resentment lingering beneath the surface about the way Barton criticised the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Ashley Cole, saying: "England did nothing in that World Cup, so why were they bringing books out? 'We got beat in the quarter-finals. I played like shit. Here's my book'."

The inclusion of such an opinionated player constitutes a gamble on Steve McClaren's part but Gerrard has made it clear the Manchester City midfielder should not be isolated. "I know Joey very well," he said. "I just smiled to myself when I saw the squad announced. He is a friend of mine and there are no hard feelings. Myself, Frank and Joey will be having a lot of chats over the next couple of days. I'm sure we can put it to bed."

Gerrard has tried to defuse the situation with humour and a copy of his autobiography was left outside Barton's hotel room yesterday. "I've signed it for him," said Gerrard. "You get a lot of time to yourself and I thought he might like to read it."

Whether Lampard has seen the funny side is another matter. The Chelsea player is renowned for being sensitive to criticism and was deeply aggrieved by Barton's remarks, not just about his autobiography but also his inability to gel with Gerrard in central midfield. One of Barton's more memorable observations about the Lampard-Gerrard conundrum was that "if there were two balls on the pitch, England would be successful but the fact is it's been proven they don't work together".

Privately, Lampard regards it as a matter worthy of an apology and pulled Barton aside at the team hotel for a chat. The Chelsea midfielder was civil yesterday when he said: "It's something that has been very done up in the media and I think that is maybe where Joey shouldn't have said it - in the media. Now more and more people are saying there are bridges to build, when there aren't. There is nothing there. We are a squad and everyone who comes into our squad will have to fit straight into our squad - that is the important thing."

That diplomatic front will encourage Gerrard as he prepares to deputise for John Terry. "It would have been easy for me to do an interview about Joey Barton but I decided to let it blow over," said Gerrard. "Joey's a friend of mine. We grew up in nearby estates in Liverpool. He's similar to me: when he does interviews he is honest and likes to say how he feels. Every footballer has said things they regret slightly - but you learn from those things."

Barton's criticisms had also included a reference to fringe players "going along for the ride" and being happy to "train a couple of days, wear the tracksuit and shrug their shoulders when they are told they aren't playing". The 24-year-old had promised to "rattle some cages" and Gerrard said that was a welcome attitude. "It freshens things up and keeps players on their toes. If you look at our performances in the last couple of tournaments I think a shake-up was needed."

Loss leader

Sweden 1 England 0, 2004

Steven Gerrard has only started as captain of his national team once - with little success. England lost 1-0 to Sweden in an uninspiring friendly in Gothenburg on March 31, 2004, doubly significant for Gerrard on his 22nd appearance as it marked his first international defeat. "By no means at his most dynamic," according to the Guardian, Gerrard was substituted after an hour and the armband handed to Gareth Southgate.